Statement on proposed statutory intervention by Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

As Liberal Democrats, we believe that ensuring decisions are taken at the lowest practicable level is a key element in strengthening the democratic process in this country. In practice, this means decisions about local spending should be taken locally wherever practical. However, Nottingham Labour’s repeated financial mismanagement without proper scrutiny over the last several years and the resulting financial crisis has proven this is no longer practical under this Labour administration.

We are deeply disappointed that the incompetence of the Labour group, has led to central government feeling that appointing commissioners is a necessary step in the recovery of the City Council’s financial position.

It is our hope that both the council and government will work constructively, putting partisan politics aside, to deliver a resolution together that is in the best interests of the people of Nottingham. Especially crucial is the protection of key public services, such as ensuring local libraries and leisure centres remain open to serve the needs of local communities.